Electric accumulator utilizing an ultra-capacitor array

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an electric accumulator for selectively operating at least one aircraft device. The electric accumulator includes an ultra-capacitor array for storing electrical energy, which can later be used to power an aircraft device. The stored electrical energy can also be used as a source of emergency backup power. The distribution of the electrical energy is controlled by a power distribution controller. The electric accumulator may be charged by a power source on an aircraft, or it may be pre-charged by an external power source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the operation of aircraft devices, and inparticular to an electric accumulator using ultra-capacitors forproviding electrical power to aircraft devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many aircraft devices including brakes, steering systems and landinggear actuators, for example, have limited operation during a typicalflight but have high power demands when operated. The total energyconsumed by these devices during the flight is relatively low but powerconsumption is high.

Hydraulic systems are often used to operate such momentary-load aircraftdevices. Hydraulic systems are able to distribute large amounts of powerthroughout the aircraft to simple devices that can easily transformhydraulic force into mechanical force. Equivalent and known electricaldevices with similar power and force output are generally heavier,bulkier, and more complex and often require a gear system in order togenerate the forces required.

Electrical systems could be used instead of hydraulic systems in orderto operate the momentary-load aircraft devices. Electrical systems couldbe smaller and lighter than equivalent hydraulic systems. However, suchelectrical systems would have to function at relatively high voltages.This introduces other problems such as shock hazards and increased riskof arcing.

Landing gear devices including uplocks and actuators fall into thecategory of high power devices that are required on an intermittentbasis but have low energy consumption when averaged over an aircraftflight (i.e. they are momentary-load devices). Due to safety andperformance issues, landing gear must retract and extend over a shortperiod of time.

Hydraulic accumulators have also been used on aircraft to provideemergency power, reduce peak system loads, and isolate hydraulic devicesfrom direct interaction with other components in the system. Theseaccumulators are placed close to the working device in order to minimizeline losses, provide quick response to load demand, and reduce theprobability of a line rupture between the accumulator and the device.Hydraulic accumulators have been known to be maintenance intensive,primarily due to the gas charge that is often used as the energy storagemechanism in the device.

Batteries are often used for storing energy on an aircraft. However,batteries may contain hazardous chemicals and may be disrupted bytemperature changes. The weight of batteries used to store energy on anaircraft may be prohibitively heavy.

The present matter addresses at least one of the above issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present matter provides an electric accumulator for selectivelyoperating an aircraft device, comprising an ultra-capacitor for storingelectrical energy, an input connector configured to couple theultra-capacitor to a power source, an output connector configured tocouple the ultra-capacitor to the aircraft device and a powerdistribution controller operatively connected to the ultra-capacitor,the power distribution controller for allowing electrical energy to flowthrough the input connection into the electric capacitor.

In one embodiment the electric accumulator includes at least oneadditional ultra-capacitor for storing electrical energy, the at leastone additional ultra-capacitor arrayed in series with theultra-capacitor for increasing the voltage of the electric accumulator.

In another embodiment the electric accumulator includes at least oneadditional ultra-capacitor for storing electrical energy, the at leastone additional ultra-capacitor arrayed in parallel with theultra-capacitor for increasing the power output of the electricaccumulator.

Also provided is a method of providing power to an aircraft device,comprising: providing an electric accumulator as defined hereinselectively operatively connecting the electric accumulator to a powersource, directing power from the power source to the electricaccumulator for storing in the ultra-capacitor of the electricaccumulator, selectively operatively connecting electric accumulator toan aircraft device and directing power from the electric accumulator tothe aircraft device to provide electrical energy to the aircraft device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is set out below with referenceto the accompanying illustrations in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of the electricaccumulator described herein with a charge control relay shown in a openposition;

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the electrical accumulator with a chargecontrol relay shown in a closed position;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the electrical accumulator withultra-capacitors arrayed in a series and parallel array;

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the electrical accumulatoroperatively attached to two aircraft devices;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method of providing electrical energyto an aircraft device;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the electrical accumulator with anactive current limiting circuit; and

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the electrical accumulator attachedto an isolated aircraft device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein is an aircraft electric accumulator that is able toprovide emergency backup power to an aircraft and to provide electricalload levelling to reduce the electrical demand on the aircraftelectrical system.

The electric accumulator provides a separate source of power that may beisolated from the aircraft's main power source. Therefore, loss ofelectrical power from the aircraft's main power source will notcompromise the power in the aircraft's electric accumulator.

The electric accumulator is operable to receive electrical power from apower source, store the power and then later distribute the power to anaircraft device when required. The aircraft device may, for example, beentirely powered by the energy stored in the electric accumulator. Thepower source can be located on the aircraft, or it can be on the groundand external to the aircraft for charging the aircraft's electricaccumulator before the aircraft takes off.

The electric accumulator includes a means for storing electrical energyfor later use by an aircraft device. The electric accumulator alsoincludes a means for providing electrical energy for storing and fordistributing electrical energy to an aircraft device. The electricalaccumulator also includes a means for controlling distribution of thestored electrical energy to an aircraft device.

Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is an electric accumulator 106 forselectively operating an aircraft device 102. In other words an aircraftdevice 102 can be operated intermittently or when required by theelectric accumulator 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the aircraftdevice 102 is an electrical or electro-mechanical load device which isat least partially operable by electrical energy. For example theaircraft device 102 may be landing gear device, uplocks, an actuator forlanding gear, a braking system, a steering system, etc. The electricaccumulator 106 resides on an electrical circuit 150. The electricalcircuit 150 may be existing as part of the aircraft circuitry, forexample. The aircraft device 102 is connected to the circuit 150 asshown in FIG. 1. The aircraft device 102 may also be disconnected fromthe circuit 150, at which time it will not receive electrical energythrough the circuit. An aircraft power distribution controller 126 aswell as aircraft power 104 can also be connected to the circuit 150.Other electronic components known to a person of ordinary skill in theart may also be connected to the circuit 150.

Although the invention will be herein described with reference to asingle ultra-capacitor 114 it is understood that the preferredembodiment uses an array of ultra-capacitors 133, as shown and describedin detail below.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, an input connection 110 isconfigured to couple the ultra-capacitor 114 to a power source 104. Thepower source 104 may include, for example aircraft power 104. The inputconnection 110 may include a charge control relay 110 (as shown in theFigures). The aircraft power 104 may be connected through the circuit150 to each of the aircraft device 102, an ultra-capacitor 114, and anultra-capacitor charge circuit 112. The aircraft power distributioncontroller 126 may be connected through the circuit 150 to theultra-capacitor charge circuit 112 and to the charge control relay 110,explained further below.

The electric accumulator 106 (shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 1)includes an ultra-capacitor 114 (or an ultra-capacitor array 133) forstoring electrical energy. The ultra-capacitor array 133 comprisesindividual ultra-capacitors 114. An output connector 129 is configuredto couple the ultra-capacitor to the aircraft device 102. In theembodiment shown in the figures the output connector 129 is a relay 129,described in more detail below. The electrical energy stored in theultra-capacitor 114 can later be directed along the circuit 150 throughthe relay 129 to the aircraft device 102 in order to power the aircraftdevice 102.

Operating voltage of the electric accumulator 106 can be increased byconnecting a number of ultra capacitors 114 in series to form anultra-capacitor array 133. For example, typical aircraft electricalsystems operate at 28 V (dc). Since commercially availableultra-capacitors 114 are only capable of 2 to 3 V (dc) potential, 12capacitors may need to be connected in series to attain the aircraftelectrical system operating voltage. However, this may increase theresistance of the ultra-capacitor array 133 resulting in reduced maximumpower output. Power output as well as additional energy storagecapability can be increased by placing ultra-capacitors 114 in parallel.The number of parallel rows and the capacitance of each individualultra-capacitor 114 may be determined based on the load characteristicsof the aircraft device 102 being operated. These characteristics mayinclude, for example, power requirements, operating voltage range orduration of use.

It is known in the art that a capacitor is an electronic device that canstore electrical charge. The charge is stored Q in Coulombs is relatedto the capacitance C in Farads and the voltage V across the capacitor inVolts by the equation Q=CV. A super- or ultra-capacitor array asreferred to herein, is a capacitor array with sufficient energy storageand power delivery capability to operate electro-mechanical and/or atleast partially electronic aircraft components, including but notlimited to components for propulsion, flight controls, landing gear andbraking systems.

As is known in the art, ultra-capacitors may use different materials,geometric structures, and manufacturing techniques such as porous carbonelectric double layer capacitor. A porous carbon electric double layercapacitor consists of activated charcoal powder that forms a porouscarbon structure to store the electric charge via ions of theelectrolyte system (typically acetonitrile (AN) and tetraethylammoniumtetrafluoroborate (TEATFB)). This type of capacitor relies on moleculesin the electrolyte to act as the dielectric barrier using the Hemholzdouble layer effect. Since the dielectric strength of these molecules isrelatively low, the voltage potential is limited to between 2 and 3volts. Further, the use of a liquid electrolyte may limit theoperational range of the ultra-capacitor 114 since the above mentionedelectrolyte can become more viscous at low temperatures and freeze attemperature below −40 degrees Celsius. Lower operating temperatures maybe achieved by adding other co-solvents to the electrolyte.

There are a number of emerging technologies that may improve upon theexisting electric double layer ultra-capacitor. For example, theactivated carbon powder may be replaced with vertically alignedcarbon-nano tubes created using vapour deposition techniques. Thistechnology could greatly reduce the internal resistance and increasesurface area per unit volume resulting in both higher power output andincreased energy storage capacity.

There are also emerging ultra-capacitor technologies that could exceedthe capabilities of the electric double layer ultra-capacitor andeventually displace it. For example, one technology proposes usingnano-manufacturing techniques on an aluminum substrate and atomic layerdeposition to create billions of “electrostatic capacitors” per squarecentimetre on the substrate. Anodizing of the aluminum opens upnano-pores with an aluminum oxide surface and subsequent thin layers oftitanium nitride and aluminum oxide layers are deposited to create andconnect the nano-capacitors into a vast array on a single substrate. Thehigh dielectric strength of aluminum oxide permits higher operatingvoltages and since the device is solid state, the operationaltemperature range may be greatly expanded over the “porous carbonelectric double layer capacitor”. This technology could be readilyutilized in the electric aircraft accumulator 106, described herein, andfunction outside the pressurized areas of the aircraft fuselage and inspace based applications.

It is recognized that the “aircraft electric accumulator” could utilizeany of the above capacitor technologies as well as similar capacitortechnologies developed now or in the future.

An input connector 110 (a charge control relay 110 for example) isconfigured to couple the ultra-capacitor 114 to a power source to allowthe ultra-capacitor 114 to receive electrical energy. For example, thecharge control relay 110 may close to allow electricity to flow from theaircraft power 104 through the charge control relay 110 intoultra-capacitor 114 via the circuit 150 and via the ultra-capacitorcharge circuit 112. By way of further example, the charge control relay110 may open to restrict electricity from flowing to the ultra-capacitor114 via the circuit 150 and the ultra-capacitor charge circuit 112. Inother words the input connector 110 is configured to be connected to thepower source, thus allowing electrical energy to flow into theultra-capacitor 114, when power is required and disconnected when poweris no longer required.

An output connector 129 is configured to couple the ultra-capacitor 114to the aircraft device 102. The output connector 129 may, for example,be a relay 129. For example, the relay 129 may be closed thus allowingelectricity to flow from the ultra-capacitor 114 to the aircraft device102. Similarly, the relay may be open thus restricting electricity fromflowing from the ultra-capacitor 114 to the aircraft device 102. Inother words the output connector 129 is configured to be connected to(and allow electricity to flow to) the aircraft device 102 when power isrequired, such as for operating an aircraft device, and disconnectedwhen power is no longer required. However, in the preferred embodimentthe output connection remains connected to the aircraft device 102, bothwhen power is required by the aircraft device 102 and when it is not.

Referring to FIG. 1, an accumulator input isolation diode 128 isoperatively connected to the ultra-capacitor 114 for blocking electriccurrent from flowing out of the ultra-capacitor 114 and into theaircraft power source 104. Electrical energy can flow from the aircraftelectrical supply 104 along the circuit 150 through the accumulatorinput isolation diode 128 which also resides on the circuit 150. Theaccumulator input isolation diode 128 can, for example, be any type ofdiode suitable for use in the circuit 150 as described herein. On theoutput side of the diode 128, on the circuit 150, resides a chargecontrol relay 110 for controlling the flow of electricity along thecircuit 150. The accumulator input isolation diode 128 preventselectricity from flowing back towards the aircraft power source alongthe circuit 150 from the electric accumulator 106 when the chargecontrol relay 110 is closed. When the charge control relay 110 is open,electricity is prevented from flowing along the circuit 150. FIG. 1shows the charge control relay 110 as being open and FIG. 2 shows thecharge control relay 110 as being closed. The charge control relay 110is preferably a charge control solid-state relay and is controlled bythe aircraft power distribution controller 126.

Additionally, the aircraft power distribution controller 126 can receiveand transmit information over the aircraft data bus (not shown) tocommunicate with other aircraft systems and the main aircraftcontroller. The data bus may, for example, be a dual channel ARNIC 429bus for commercial aircraft. In an alternative embodiment, the aircraftpower distribution controller 126 transmit or communicate informationvia discreet signals. The discreet signals may, for example, betransmitted using hard wiring to other controllers or devices.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the aircraft power distribution controller126 can regulate or control the amount of electrical power that theultra-capacitor charge circuit 112 uses or consumes from the aircraftpower supply 104. Thus, if power demand is high from other aircraftsystems, the aircraft power distribution controller 126 can reduce theamount of electrical power flowing to the ultra-capacitor charge circuit112. Additionally, the aircraft power distribution controller 126 cantotally isolate the electric accumulator 106 from the aircraft powersupply 104 by switching charge control relay 110 to the open position sothat the electric accumulator 106 consumes or uses none of the aircraftpower supply 104

The aircraft power distribution controller 126 also resides on thecircuit 150 and is operatively connected to the charge control relay110. In other words the aircraft power distribution controller 126 canopen and close the charge control relay 110, and thereby control theenergy flow and distribution along the circuit 150, and in particular,into and out of the electric accumulator 106. The aircraft powerdistribution controller 126 may, for example, determine when theelectric accumulator 106 may be charged. For example, sensors (notshown) on the aircraft may detect that the electrical demand for theaircraft generally is low. The aircraft power distribution controller126 may then determine that it is therefore an appropriate time tocharge the electric accumulator 106 using excess electrical energy fromthe aircraft's general electrical supply 104 for example. To do so theaircraft power distribution controller 126 closes the charge controlrelay 110 to allow electrical energy to flow into the ultra-capacitorsfrom the power source (which in this example is the aircraft'selectrical supply).

The aircraft power distribution controller 126 may, for example, beautomated to automatically open and close the charge control relay 110when appropriate (e.g. when the ultra-capacitor array 133 has capacityand when adequate electrical energy can be redirected from the powersource). Alternatively, the charge control relay 110 may remain closedin order to maintain full charge levels in the ultra-capacitor 114.

The electric aircraft accumulator 106 includes an ultra-capacitor chargecircuit 112. The ultra-capacitor charge circuit 112 can for example be asingle resistor or a more complex arrangement consisting of aconstant-current power supply or other controlled charging circuit thatwould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Theultra-capacitor charge circuit 112 is connected to the aircraft powersupply 104 via the circuit 150.

The circuit 150 may be fabricated out of wire or other suitableconductive material.

The ultra-capacitors 114 may use carbon foam structure to increase thesurface area available for storage of electrical charge, as would befamiliar to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Individual capacitorsmay have a capacitance in the range of 3000 Farads with 11000 Joules ofenergy storage, 7590 watts of maximum power output with a mass of 0.55kg, for example. When electrical energy flows into the ultra-capacitors114, the ultra-capacitors 114 store electrical energy (i.e. charge) forlater use virtually instantaneously with no detrimental effects.Ultra-capacitors 114 operate at relatively low voltages (for example 2.5volts) but, as described below, can be arrayed in series to increase thevoltage and arrayed in parallel to increase the power output.

As stated above, the electric accumulator 106 may comprise a pluralityof ultra-capacitors 114 to increase the energy storage capacity andobtain the desired electrical characteristics. For example, threeparallel columns of twelve series connected ultra-capacitors 114 may beconnected in an array on the circuit 150 as shown in FIG. 1. This formsan ultra-capacitor array 133, shown in FIG. 3, containing thirty sixultra-capacitors 114. Ultra-capacitors 114 are arrayed in series on thecircuit 150 to increase the voltage and in parallel to increase thepower output capability of the electric accumulator 106.

In an alternative embodiment the power source is an external powersupply (not shown). The ultra-capacitor 114 receives electrical energythrough, and is thereby charged through, an external receptacle 124. Theexternal receptacle 124 is a receiver into which the external powersupply can be operatively connected. When operatively connected to theexternal receptacle 124, electrical energy can flow from the externalpower supply to the ultra-capacitor 114. The ultra-capacitor 114 storesthe electrical energy for later use or discharge.

As shown in FIG. 1, electrical power entering through the externalreceptacle 124 is monitored and controlled by the ultra-capacitor chargecircuit 112.

The external power supply can be temporarily operatively connected tothe external receptacle 124. The ultra-capacitor 114 will only receiveand store electrical power for the duration of time that the externalpower supply is operatively connected to the external receptacle 124,and electrical energy is flowing from the external power supply throughthe external receptacle 124 to the ultra-capacitor 114.

In another embodiment, the electrical power for charging the electricaircraft accumulator may come from a second aircraft power supply.

In another embodiment, a second power supply is operatively connected tothe electric accumulator 106 (e.g. via the circuit 150) in order tosupply electrical energy to the ultra-capacitors 114 in the electricaccumulator 106. Each of the power supply sources may be independentlyoperated by the aircraft power distribution controller 126 (as describedbelow) and may therefore independently provide electricity to theelectric accumulator 106. It is recognized that there may, similarly, beadditional power supplies connected to the electric accumulator 106 viathe circuit 150.

A maintenance discharge resistor 116 and maintenance discharge switch118 reside on the circuit 150 and may be used in order to discharge theelectric accumulator 106 by dissipating stored electrical energy fromthe ultra-capacitor 114.

In more detail, the maintenance discharge switch 118 can be in one oftwo position, “arm” or “disarm”. When in the arm position (as shown inFIG. 1), the circuit 150 is connected to the ultra-capacitor 114 therebyallowing electricity to flow to the ultra-capacitor 114. When in thedisarm position (not shown) the ultra-capacitor 114 is fullydisconnected from the charging circuit 150 so that electricity cannotflow between the circuit and the ultra-capacitor 114. In the disarmposition the maintenance discharge resistor 116 dissipates electricityfrom the ultra-capacitor 114. This may provide additional safety forexample.

Optionally a back flow prevention diode 120 can be included in thecircuit 150 on the output side of the external receptacle 124. The backflow prevention diode 120 prevents accidental discharge through theexternal receptacle 124. Additionally the back flow prevention diode 120prevents reverse polarity charging.

An accumulator output isolation diode 108 resides on the output portionof the electric accumulator 106. The accumulator output isolation diode108 thereby prevents the electrical flow from the output side of theelectric accumulator 106 from flowing back into the aircraft electricalsystem.

Similarly a back flow prevention diode 122 resides on the output portionof the electric accumulator 106. The back flow prevention diode 122prevents flow from the aircraft electrical system from flowing into theoutput side of the electrical accumulator 106.

The fabrication and structure of diodes are familiar to those ofordinary skill in the relevant art. Similarly, the function of thediodes in the presently disclosed invention will be understood to thoseskilled in the art. For example, the diode could be a typical p-nsemi-conductor junction diode commonly available for power applications(such as rectifiers) or a specialized semi-conductor diode to improveefficiency. One alternative may be the Super Barrier diode which hassimilar surge-handling capability and low reverse leakage current of anormal p-n junction diode but lower forward voltage drop.

Referring to FIG. 3, the ultra-capacitors 114 may be in aseries-parallel array. Ultra-capacitors 114 may only be capable of avoltage potential of 2 to 3 volts. Having the ultra-capacitors 114 inseries may a achieve a 28 volt working potential.

FIG. 3 shows the ultra-capacitor array 133 in isolation. There are threeparallel columns of ultra-capacitors 114 with each column having aseries of twelve ultra-capacitors 114. Additional parallel columns ofultra-capacitors 114 may be added to the circuit 150 to increase thepower output capability. The number of series connected ultra-capacitors114 in the columns can be increased to increase the working voltagepotential. Such properties of ultra-capacitors arrays are known to thoseskilled in the art.

The aircraft device 102 may be an electrical device or anelectro-mechanical device. For example, the aircraft device 102 may be alanding gear device such as an actuator for controlling the descent andascent of the landing gear; the aircraft device 102 may be an uplock forsecuring the landing gear in the ascended position; the aircraft device102 may be a steering system for the aircraft or an electro-mechanicalcomponent of a steering system; or the aircraft device 102 may be abraking system of an aircraft or an electro-mechanical component of abraking system. The aircraft device 102 may be other electro-mechanicalor electrically operated devices familiar to a person of ordinary skillin the art. The aircraft device 102 may, for example, be anymomentary-load device used on an aircraft.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 two aircraft devices 102are operatively attached to the circuit 150. Each aircraft device 102 isattached in parallel on the circuit 150. Each of the aircraft devices102 is operatively connected to the electric accumulator 106 via thecircuit 150. The ultra-capacitor 114 of the electric accumulator 106provides stored electrical energy to each of the two aircraft devices102 for powering the aircraft devices 102.

It is recognized that additional aircraft devices 102 may be similarlyconnected to a single electric accumulator 106 in a similar manner as inthe above described circuit 150.

The sub-system controller 130 is operatively connected to each of thetwo aircraft devices 102 so that the sub-system controller 130independently controls electricity distribution to the two aircraftdevices 102.

The aircraft device 102 may be configured to connect to or disconnectfrom the circuit 150 by a relay 129, as described above, that in turn isoperated by a sub-system-controller 130. This sub-system-controller 130is responsible for control of a particular aircraft sub-system (e.g. thelanding gear system). This sub-system-controller 130 is also connectedto the aircraft data bus and can communicate to other system controllersand the aircraft central controller. Thus, central logic or softwarebuilt into the aircraft central controller can receive data regardingcharge status of the electric accumulator 106 from the aircraft powerdistribution controller 126 and send a signal to thesub-system-controller 130 indicating that sufficient power is availableto operate the aircraft device 102.

The aircraft power distribution controller 126 may contain a computerprocessor (CPU) and communicate (send and receive data) with theaircraft central controller (computer), other sub-system controllerssuch as sub-system controller 130, and the ultra-capacitor chargecontrol circuit 112 via a data bus (such as ARNIC 429) or hard wiring.The aircraft power distribution controller 126 may also contain memory.Memory may be programmed with instructions, executable by the processorbased on input data received through the data bus or hard wiring. Uponexecuting the instructions, the processor (CPU) controls and instructsthe aircraft power distribution controller 126 to operate the chargecontrol relay 110 in order to allow electrical energy to flow into theelectric accumulator 106 to charge the ultra-capacitor 114. Similarly,instructions (i.e. computer code) may be stored in memory such that theinstructions are executed by the processor in order to provide an outputsignal to the ultra-capacitor charge control circuit 112 to control theflow rate of electricity to the ultra-capacitors 114.

The aircraft power distribution controller 126 may, additionally,receive as input the accumulator charge status indicating the level ofelectrical energy present in the electric accumulator 106. In oneembodiment, the processor in the aircraft power distribution controller126 receives the accumulator charge status from charge control circuit112 and automatically (according to instructions stored on memory)operates the charge control relay 110 in order to provide moreelectrical energy to the ultra-capacitor 114 in the electric accumulator106. The operation of the charge control relay 110 may be controlled byan output signal sent from the aircraft distribution controller to thecharge control relay 110. For example, if the accumulator charge statusindicates that there is capacity for further electrical energy in theultra-capacitor 114 then the aircraft power distribution controller 126may send an output signal, also referred to as the accumulator chargecommand, to the charge control relay 110 so that the charge controlrelay closes to allow electrical energy to flow from the power source tothe ultra-capacitor 114. Further, the processor (CPU) in the aircraftdistribution controller 126, may send an output signal via the data bus(such as ARNIC 429) or hard wiring to other sub-system controllers suchas 130 or the aircraft central controller (computer) indicating theaccumulator charge status.

A user interface (for example a switch controlling the landing gearascent/descent) may be connected to a processor (CPU) in the sub-systemcontroller 130. The user interface may allow a user to enter a commandthat will execute certain stored instructions on the processor. Suchinstructions may be stored or programmed into memory. When acceptableinput signals are received, for example an acceptable accumulator chargestatus signal is received from aircraft distribution controller 126,instructions are executed by the processor (CPU) in sub-systemcontroller 130 to close the device on/off relay 129 allowing theaircraft device 102 to receive electrical energy from the electricaccumulator 106 and operate. For example, when the processor executescertain instructions from memory as requested by a user through the userinterface the aircraft power distribution controller 126 may directelectrical energy from the electric accumulator to the landing gearactuator (an example of an aircraft device 102) so that the landing geardescends.

In another embodiment, the accumulator output isolation diode 108 couldbe eliminated to allow the electric accumulator 106 output to feeddirectly into the aircraft power system, thus providing back-up powerfor the entire system.

The sub-system controller 130 may independently operate each of theaircraft devices 102 attached to the circuit 150. In other words thesub-system controller 130 may allow electrical energy to flow from theelectric accumulator 106 to one of the aircraft devices 102 but not theother aircraft devices 102, and vice versa.

It is recognized that the power provided by the ultra-capacitors 114 inthe electric accumulator 106 may be above the power delivery capabilityof the aircraft's normal power supplies. This allows for smaller andlighter aircraft generators since peak output power of these generatorscan be reduced using the electric accumulator 106. This also results inreduced load on the aircraft engines to power the generators. Since theelectric accumulator 106 can be located close to the aircraft device102, the aircraft electrical wiring between the generators and theaircraft device 102 can be reduced in size due to the lower current flowrequirements. The net result may be better aircraft performance andlower fuel consumption.

Using the herein disclosed electric accumulator 106, the aircraftdelivery system voltage can be increased above the conventional 28Voltage DC.

It is recognized that the electric accumulator 106 as disclosed couldalso be used for emergency power or power smoothing for example.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of providing power to an aircraftdevice 102. At step 1002 an electric accumulator 106 (as describedabove) is provided. At step 1004 the electric accumulator 106 isconnected or coupled to a power source. For example, the charge controlrelay 110 may be closed to allow electricity to flow to theultra-capacitor 114 via the circuit 150. At step 1006 electrical poweris directed from the power source to the electric accumulator 106. Atstep 1008 the electric accumulator 106 is connected or coupled to anaircraft device 102. For example, the relay 129 may be closed.

The step 1008 of connecting the electric accumulator 106 to the aircraftdevice 102 can be undertaken before the step 1006 of directing powerfrom a power source to the electric accumulator 106. Similarly the step1008 of connecting the electric accumulator 106 to the aircraft device102 can be undertaken before the step 1004 of connecting the electricaccumulator 106 to the power source. Finally, at step 1010, electricpower is directed from the electric accumulator 106 to the aircraftdevice 102.

Preferably, the electric accumulator 106 is mounted near the aircraftdevice 102 in order to increase the efficiency of the emergency powerbackup and load levelling capabilities of the electric accumulator 106.For example, if the aircraft device is an electric brake or an electricsteering system, the electric accumulator 106 could be mounted on thelanding gear leg or in the landing gear bay.

In an embodiment (shown in FIG. 6) the accumulator output isolationdiode 108 is replaced with an active current limiting circuit 132. Insuch a design, the current flow from the aircraft power source 104 islimited to a set value with the remainder of the required power for theaircraft device 102 coming from the ultra-capacitors 114. Thismodification is analogous to a restrictive flow device in a hydrauliccircuit. The aircraft device 102 may be able to derive all of its powerfrom aircraft power source 104 during low load operation, however, whenhigh loads are encountered by the aircraft device 102, the power willpreferentially flow from the electric accumulator 106. This arrangementprotects the aircraft power source 104 from being overloaded at peakpower demand but still allows the aircraft device 102 to operate at highpower levels on an intermittent basis.

A further alternative embodiment, which will now be described, is shownin FIG. 7. The aircraft device 102 cannot receive any power directlyfrom the aircraft power source 104. This may be beneficial when theaircraft device 102 has the characteristic of operating at very highpower levels for short duration bursts. In such an application, theaircraft power source 104 may be incapable of operating the aircraftdevice 102 or adding any significant power to aid in its operation. Suchaircraft devices 102 may, for example, include high power linear motorsor lasers. The aircraft power source 104 is capable of slowly chargingthe electric accumulator 106 until an acceptable level of energy isstored in the accumulator 106 for the aircraft device 102 to operate.Once the aircraft device 102 is operated and energy in the electricaccumulator 106 is depleted, the aircraft power source 104 can slowlycharge the accumulator 106 once again.

The ultra-capacitors 114 preferably operate in areas where thetemperatures range from −40 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, suchas in the pressurized areas of the aircraft.

In an embodiment, using the porous carbon electric double layercapacitor, by adding co-solvents to the electrolyte to improve lowtemperature viscosity and lower the freezing point. By lowering theoperational temperature, they could the capacitors could potentially beused in unpressurized areas of the aircraft where operationaltemperature requirements are typically −54 degrees Celsius. In such anembodiment the electric accumulator 106 could be located closer tocertain aircraft devices 102 such as landing gear.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been describedherein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvariations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of theinvention or the scope of the appended claims.

1. An electric accumulator for selectively operating an aircraft device,comprising: an ultra-capacitor for storing electrical energy; an inputconnector configured to couple the ultra-capacitor to a power source; anoutput connector configured to couple the ultra-capacitor to theaircraft device; and a power distribution controller operativelyconnected to the ultra-capacitor, the power distribution controller forallowing electrical energy to flow through the input connection into theultra-capacitor.
 2. The electric accumulator of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one additional ultra-capacitor for storingelectrical energy, the at least one additional ultra-capacitor arrayedin series with the ultra-capacitor for increasing the voltage of theelectric accumulator.
 3. The electric accumulator of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one additional ultra-capacitor for storingelectrical energy, the at least one additional ultra-capacitor arrayedin parallel with the ultra-capacitor for increasing the power output ofthe electric accumulator.
 4. The electric accumulator of claim 1 whereinthe aircraft device is an electrical or electro-mechanical load devicewhich is at least partially operable by electrical energy.
 5. Theelectric accumulator of claim 1 wherein the aircraft device is selectedfrom the group consisting of a landing gear device, an uplock, a landinggear actuator, a steering system and a braking system.
 6. The electricaccumulator of claim 1, further comprising at least one second aircraftdevice, the at least one second aircraft device connected to theultra-capacitor, the ultra-capacitor providing stored electrical energyto the at least one second aircraft device for powering the aircraftdevice.
 7. The electric accumulator of claim 1 wherein the power sourceis the aircraft electrical supply.
 8. The electric accumulator of claim1 wherein the power source is an external power supply.
 9. The electricaccumulator of claim 1 wherein the aircraft device receives all of itsrequired power from the electric accumulator.
 10. The electricaccumulator of claim 1 further comprising a diode operatively connectedto the ultra-capacitor, the diode for blocking electric current fromflowing from the ultra-capacitor to the power source.
 11. The electricaccumulator of claim 1 further comprising a second diode operativelyconnected to the ultra-capacitor, the second diode for blocking electriccurrent from flowing into the output connection.
 12. The electricaccumulator of claim 10, the power distribution controller furtheroperable to selectively allow electrical energy to flow back into theaircraft electrical supply.
 13. A method of providing power to anaircraft device, comprising: providing an electric accumulator asdefined in claim 1; coupling the electric accumulator to a power source;directing power from the power source to the electric accumulator forstoring in the ultra-capacitor of the electric accumulator; coupling theelectric accumulator to an aircraft device; and directing power from theelectric accumulator to the aircraft device to provide electrical energyto the aircraft device.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the powersupply is the aircraft electrical supply.
 15. The method of claim 13wherein the power supply is external to the aircraft and wherein theelectric accumulator is selectively operatively connected only when theairplane is grounded.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the aircraftdevice is an electrical or electro-mechanical load device which is atleast partially operable by electrical energy.
 17. The method of claim13 wherein the aircraft device is selected from the group consisting ofa landing gear device, an uplock, a landing gear actuator, a steeringsystem and a braking system
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein the powersource is the aircraft electrical supply.
 19. The method of claim 13wherein the power source is an external power supply.
 20. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the aircraft device receives all of its required powerfrom the electric accumulator.